French Polishing In Brentwood

Brentwood’s housing stock spans genuine period properties and newer family homes, so the furniture I see here varies considerably. Older pieces from Hutton or Great Warley often carry original shellac finishes that have dulled or crazed over time. I clean back the surface, fill the grain with pumice, and rebuild the finish in thin shellac layers using pad application, the same method the piece was finished with originally.

For more modern furniture in Pilgrims Hatch or Shenfield, the work is usually spot repair or a full refinish to match an existing colour. I bring colour-matching materials on-site so the repaired area sits flush with the surrounding finish. If the piece is too large or fragile to work on in the room, I can arrange collection and return it once the shellac has fully hardened.

Brentwood’s mild but occasionally damp climate means some pieces show moisture-related bloom or white haze in the finish. That responds well to careful re-padding rather than a full strip-back. I assess each piece before agreeing scope, and the written quote sets out exactly what preparation, colour work, and finishing stages are included, nothing is added on afterwards.